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Living for What Really Matters: 7 Weeks in the Book of Philippians

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2021 ECPA Award Finalist
Are you burning out from busyness?
We often glorify “the hustle,” hoping to find acceptance in our hard work. Yet for most of us, we find ourselves on the way to burnout and anxiety from sometimes pointless pursuits. What if meaningful struggle can instead lead us to growth, depth, and even joy?

The apostle Paul understood hard work and struggle better than most. But even in prison, where we’d expect him to be at his lowest, he wrote a letter to his Philippian friends filled with thankfulness, generosity, and joy. This letter shows us how we can blossom by finding the meaning in our struggles.

Perfect for individual or group study, this Get Wisdom Bible study The Get Wisdom Bible Studies empower women to connect with Scripture in a fresh and powerful way and are accessible for Christians in any stage of their faith journey. Get the whole series, and experience soul refreshment in a new way―individually or with friends.

“These are some of the best Bible studies on the market. Not only has Teresa found a way to teach biblical truth with profound wisdom, but she does so in a winsome and relatable way.” ―Kat Armstrong, author of No More Holding Back

“These guided studies are for any woman who is wrestling with a sense of direction and believing in her worth.” ―Marshawn Evans Daniels, Godfidence Coach, reinvention strategist for women

256 pages, Paperback

Published July 14, 2020

54 people are currently reading
86 people want to read

About the author

Teresa Swanstrom Anderson

6 books26 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Dora Okeyo.
Author 25 books202 followers
June 22, 2020
I love the letters Paul wrote to the churches and when I saw this book I had to request it because one, it hinted at what it means to hustle as a woman and a bit on burnout which I am very familiar with.
So, I'm posting this review when I have cruised through to the fifth week- because I've been taking notes, asking myself questions and reading Phillippians differently- I'm paying more attention to Paul's words of both praise and caution and reflecting on my life, work and how I go about my duties.
This is a hands-on book and the pacing is done just right.
I truly hope more women will be blessed by reading and actively re-evaluating their live's decisions as they read this.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
Profile Image for Bailey Jean.
8 reviews38 followers
July 23, 2020
Living for What Really Matters: 7 Weeks in the Book of Philippians is one of three new studies by Teresa Swanstrom Anderson, and you are not going to want to miss a single one! It is absolutely brimming with new insights, helpful charts, thoughtful questions, all of which get you digging deeper into scripture than before. Not only does Teresa lead you into Philippians, but she also teaches you how to study and introduces other resources that can help you as you grow. I have done my fair share of Bible studies over the years, and while others have left me disappointed with a shallow outline or overwhelmed by being all story and no scripture, Teresa's studies are a breath of fresh air and exactly what I was looking for! I cannot recommend them enough!
Profile Image for Anne .
484 reviews2 followers
July 23, 2020
Living for What Really Matters
7 Weeks in the Book of Philippians
by Teresa Swanstrom Anderson
The Get Wisdom Bible Studies help women connect with Scripture in an accessible and energizing way. Teresa Swanstrom Anderson guides with a winsome style that is rich in depth, but still approachable for newer readers of the Bible.
What Are You Hustling For?
We glorify busyness. We hustle, hoping to gain approval and find acceptance. Yet for most of us, we simply hustle our way to burnout. But what if it’s only pointless hustle that leads to burnout? What if meaningful struggle can lead us to growth and depth and even joy?
The apostle Paul understood hustle—and struggle—better than most. But in prison, where we’d expect him to be burned out and depressed, he wrote a letter to his Philippian friends seeking to build them up, a letter filled with thankfulness, generosity, and joy.
Focused on Jesus rather than concentrating on his own discomfort, Paul’s actions brilliantly display what happens when hardship is used for the glory of God.
We might feel that life is trying to bury us . . . but what we forget is that we’re a seed. Philippians will show us how we can grow deep roots and blossom by finding the meaning in our struggle.
Impressions: I enjoy reading about Paul and this was an insightful study of Paul’s time with the Philippians.
Liked: I liked the length of each day’s study and feel they had enough to think on to keep me until the next day.
Disliked: I did not care to use the BLB app and would have preferred to just define the words in the text.
Learned: “I need to make sure my first guide is God, rather than humans.”
“I am in chains, but the gospel is not!”
Quotes: “God doesn’t give the hardest battles to His toughest soldiers; He creates the toughest soldiers through life’s hardest battles.” - Unknown
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Panda Incognito.
4,690 reviews95 followers
July 6, 2020
In this Bible study, Teresa Swanstrom Anderson guides women through Philippians, drawing on both Scripture and external sources to provide spiritual, social, and political context for Paul’s writing. She provides guidance on how to use commentaries, cross-references with other parts of the Bible, and includes assignments to look up Greek words to understand key concepts from Philippians in their original language. Anderson keeps this book accessible to both new and experienced Bible-readers, and does a great job combining in-depth study with chatty personal stories.

I greatly enjoyed this study’s emphasis on the history and social context of the early church. Most of the information that Anderson covered was familiar to me, but since so few studies delve into the cultural background and life situations of Biblical authors and their audiences, I greatly appreciated the historical sidebars. She helps readers understand what the text meant to its original hearers while also applying it to modern situations and concerns, and my only complaint is that she overused The Message. This paraphrase has a very loose and modern take on Scriptural text, and even though I know that other people find it helpful, I found it distracting and preferred it when she based her analysis on traditional translations.

Living for What Really Matters: 7 Weeks in the Book of Philippians is a very achievable study, despite its in-depth focus on language and history. I often lag behind in Bible studies, but I completed this in just three weeks, and was often able to do two or three days in one sitting. Because Anderson focuses on the essentials and does not fill pages with busy-work, this Bible study is a great option for individuals and groups who are looking for an in-depth, meaningful study that does not require an excessive daily commitment.

I received a temporary digital copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Colleen Smith.
23 reviews
July 14, 2020
If you're looking for a study that will leave you feeling like you just had a great conversation with a friend, this study is for YOU! Teresa is a self-proclaimed bible nerd who will encourage you and hold you accountable while you dig deeper into the word! I love the way Teresa rights because I imagine she speaks in the same loving, encouraging and with accountability. I am so excited to check out her other studies as soon as possible!
Profile Image for Kim Butler.
11 reviews
Read
March 8, 2022
Great study with an inductive approach! So unique and beautifully done.
Profile Image for T Divine’s Reading Corner.
169 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2023
Opening My Heart to God

This would be my first time interacting with a bible study plan per day throughout the week! It’s very insightful and allows you to spend the much needed time with God and His word! Learning His promises and how to achieve what sees impossible to us as humans at times was inspiring. I can do these things and I have the will to love, I want to be more like Paul & more like Jesus!
Profile Image for MoMo.
156 reviews3 followers
November 7, 2024
This Bible study was transformative and found me at the right time. I am grateful for all of the lessons that it taught me and for the fact that I was able to dig deeper into the Word of God. I highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Angie Flom.
212 reviews4 followers
March 10, 2022
Adding in my full review - a book that is great for ANYONE!

This Bible study was truly a gift. I was anxious to dive in, but Teresa presents the information in an easy-to-read, straightforward manner without feeling that at the end you will feel or believe a 'certain way'. In fact, in the beginning, she explains that her goal is to provide information so that "we learn to study for ourselves and not have a faith that is spoon-fed to us."

Each week consists of five days of study and all include a reading lesson, insights, pertinent questions, and plenty of space to write your thoughts. I especially appreciated the multiple free apps that were recommended to search further in regards to the meaning of the scripture as well as historical references. Throughout the 7 week course, there are "History Lessons" that relate to the text being studied and are a great addition to the study.

A PERFECT Bible Study for those, like me, that were intimidated to participate in a Bible study as well as for those well versed in scripture for an in-depth historical view of the Word.

Thankful to Teresa Swanstrom Anderson for my copy of the book in return for an honest review.

________________________
Loving this book so far! I truly appreciate the thought and care Teresa put into creating this bible study. She provides readings to study, history in regards to the specific reading, questions for reflections with room to write and plenty of room to reflect on your thoughts of the entire week.

Can't wait to provide the full review once our online-Bible study is complete! Highly recommend grabbing this book as a preorder - you'll get it on the release date of July 14th. (I've already ordered the other two available and will be going through with a college friend together.)

My favorite quote of Teresa's so far in this book is: "Let's be known for being different - for loving people well, for choosing kindness and joy instead of grumbling and division"
1 review2 followers
July 7, 2020
Just started this study and I’m already obsessed. Not only is written so well, but it helps you dive into deeper historical background to give you context for everything you’re reading. And of course one of the most beautiful covers of any study I’ve seen 😍 Definitely recommend and can’t wait to get the rest of the series!
Profile Image for Anita Ojeda.
414 reviews14 followers
July 14, 2020
I’ve never reviewed a Bible study before, but while perusing through NetGalley’s offerings, the cover of Living for What Really Matters: Seven Weeks in the Book of Philippians caught my eye. In fact, all of the covers in the Get Wisdom Bible Studies caught my eye—for their simplicity and hint of diversity. ‘Sweet!’ I thought to myself, ‘finally, a Bible study by a Black author!’

Well, not exactly. Although the covers show diversity, the author, a pink-haired woman, doesn’t appear to have a drop of diverse blood running through her veins. As I read through the introduction to the study, I realized that Teresa Swanstrom Anderson does embrace diversity (her four adopted children hail from Ethiopia) and she spent time living in Guatemala. I felt better. Sort of.

I shouldn’t let a book’s cover distract me from the words inside, but I confess to feeling as if the publisher chose the covers in a token attempt to appeal to an audience of readers seeking to learn from underrepresented voices.

So, if you’re reading this, NavPress, know that Christian women out there WANT to read Bible studies by Black, Asian, and Indigenous voices. Having a book with a Black or Asian on the cover doesn’t go far enough. It’s like publishing a Bible study by a white male and putting a pretty woman on the cover.

Now, for my review. Despite my disgruntlement at the cover/author dissonance, I really enjoyed the Bible study. The author taught me how to use the Blue Letter Bible app (something I had downloaded and promptly given up on a few years ago). The bible study has five lessons in each of the seven chapters. Each chapter has a good mix of personal anecdotes, biblical teachings, reflection questions, and challenges to keep either an individual or a group of women immersed for seven weeks of study into the book of Philippians.

I’ll use the skills the author taught me as I continue to dig deeper into God’s word. But I still wish I had read a Bible study by a Black author so that I could learn from someone with a different perspective from my own. Our lives would be so much richer if we sat at other culture’s feet and learned their ways of seeing, doing, and thinking.

I rate the book 5 stars for the author and one star for the publisher.
3 reviews
July 6, 2020
While I'm still in the process of reading this study, I can already tell you that it is a compelling, user-friendly, educational way to actually READ the Bible. But the best part is that it isn't JUST about picking up and reading your Bible - you can do that without this book, right? But what I personally struggle with (whether from lack of motivation or know-how) is discerning some of the embedded messages and making connections from the Bible to the NOW. Teresa helps to do this in a very humble, authentic, positive way. One of my favorite aspects of this study (and her writing in general) is that she interjects real examples from her own experiences. Let me say it once more, this feels like a REAL account of living the Bible in the now - her words are encouraging and motivational, but also empathetic and understanding (she's married and a momma of SIX kiddos, and her joys, struggles, and all the in between are represented in her work).
3 reviews
July 7, 2020
I'm currently on week 3 but wanted to come on and say that I love, love, love the study so far. First of all, I appreciate the encouragement and instruction to read, study and research the Bible for myself. I love how this study is not only teaching me more about Paul and the book of Philippians but is also encouraging me to assess my life and ministry. At the author's nudging, I've been thinking & praying about many questions that she cannot answer for me. ~ What might I be missing that He's called me to? Where do I struggle to live authentically? What does God call women to in the church? What does it take to rob me of my joy and how does that reflect upon my spiritual maturity? How can I lift up other women around me? Is my life truly fruitful? I cannot wait to dig into the rest of it!
Profile Image for Anne.
Author 25 books147 followers
July 19, 2020
Recently I discovered the beauty of studying one book of the Bible in depth, and this study of Philippians has been eye-opening. The daily lessons can be done in roughly 1/2 hour, yet they are edifying. The author uses personal testimony as well as historical/cultural facts as teaching tools. Additionally, she encourages the use of the Blue Letter Bible, which enables the reader to study important words and phrases in the original language of Hebrew or Greek. I've never used an app like this, but I can see how it can help you get a deeper meaning out of Scripture. There are two other studies available - Psalms and Joshua - and I plan on doing those after Philippians. If you're looking for a daily Bible study which helps you weave faith principles into your life, check out these three studies!
Profile Image for Julia .
329 reviews6 followers
August 8, 2020
I am often a skeptic of women's Bible study guides as I find them very shallow or too "hey girl, hey" in their style. I was pleasantly surprised with the depth and quality of this study by Teresa Anderson. This study through Philippians had significant depth - encouraging readers to use apps to look up original Greek and accompanying passages. The author dove deep into historical context and other meanings, but her style was simple, straightforward and easy to read. I appreciated the way she integrated the study with practical application that would be applicable to women in every life stage. I will definitely be recommending this study!
Profile Image for Amanda Rabon.
34 reviews2 followers
July 6, 2020
This study is awesome - I was a history major in college, so I LOVE the way Teresa includes little history lessons to give context to the world Paul lived in and wrote in. I am also really loving the way she's teaching me to dig deeper into the original language and explore the meanings of certain words & phrases for clarity or just to know more. Her writing is super approachable, yet very obviously well researched and theologically sound. I can't wait to dive into the Joshua & Psalms studies next!
1 review1 follower
June 1, 2021
I enjoyed this study so much. It's written in a friendly way that made me look forward to the next day's study. Teresa walks you through the literal translations of the original Greek and Hebrew in a way that made me understand the true message. She weaves in the back story with a bit of history to keep you engaged. The bible comes alive and energized my relationship with Christ, exactly what you'd hope for in a bible study. The author shares resources you'll use forever after in your bible reading. I'll be adding her other studies in the series to my list for sure.
3 reviews
July 7, 2020
The author Teresa Swanstrom Anderson has you diving deep into the book of Phillipains in this 7-week study "Living for What Really Matters." She guides you through digging into the meat of what Paul is saying through historical context and studying the greek and Hebrew language. In doing this the richness of the scriptures is illuminated as we study. Each week's topic from Choosing Joy to Living like Jesus has spoken to me in the season I am in. I can not recommend this bible study enough.
1 review2 followers
July 8, 2020
I have never walked through a study verse by verse.......so this has made me slow down and really think in what’s being said! I love the small pauses of looking in the BLB, just to study a little bit more! Just to even consider stepping into Paul’s shoes - what he must have been thinking and doing all while in the worst conditions ever. So powerful.

Teresa is a brilliant writer. Down to earth, real and authentic - you will love how she guides you through Philippians!
Profile Image for Julia Riggs.
9 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2020
I’ve just finished week of this study and greatly enjoying and learning from it. Teresa does an awesome job of not only teaching and bringing things out from the book of Philippians but also teaching you how to dig deeper on your own when reading the Bible. Looking forward to all I still have to learn in this study.
51 reviews7 followers
July 19, 2020
I am currently working through this study on Philippians and have already learned so much. I’m amazed at how perfectly timed this study’s launch is given what’s happening in the world right now as Anderson leads us to find deeper meanings behind our struggles.

I love how Anderson points us to look to the original language as well as to commentaries and various Bible translations and Bible apps to take a deeper dive into each verse. I love that there are many questions with ample space to write my answers. Her questions will lead you to dig deeper and won't just be found within the pages of her study, which I appreciate.

Anderson's studies are written in such a way that I feel like she is sitting right beside me, guiding, encouraging and challenging me every step of the way.

I highly recommend this study!

I will return to update my review once I’ve completed this study. So far, I’m loving it and learning so much!
Profile Image for Amber Thiessen.
Author 1 book39 followers
July 18, 2020
A new series for your bible study repertoire. The author writes in a friendly, fun voice; using the blue letter bible app to assist the reader in digging deeper into original words. It’s written in short chapters with application questions for the day to day. Not heavy on homework, just commentary and questions to facilitate your reading.
Profile Image for Thelma.
102 reviews2 followers
February 28, 2021
This is truly a Bible study. She doesn't just preach at you, she leads you on and actually helps you learn HOW to study the Bible. She introduced me to the Blue Letter Bible which I had never heard of before, and what a tool!

I was studying the book of Philippians on my own, and when I saw this, I thought it looked like a good addition to my own study. I wasn't wrong and it didn't disappoint.
Profile Image for Becky Yanak.
100 reviews1 follower
September 28, 2022
This was a seven week study of the book of Philippians that I did with both our Bible study and Sunday school class. since there are only four chapters in the book of Philippians the author takes her time to give historical background and perspective of not only each chapter but each verse. It was very interesting and enlightening.
Profile Image for Krystal Bequette.
6 reviews1 follower
July 7, 2020
Just what I've been looking for in a bible study book! I am halfway through this study and I am learning so much. I love the way Teresa writes because I feel like I am having a chat with one of my friends about the bible. I can't wait to dive into the other 2 studies when I finish this one up!
3 reviews
July 8, 2020
I was so excited to start this study. I love how I find so many awesome gems each time I read this study. I’m not done reading it but I didn’t want to wait to share how much I am enjoying reading this study.
1 review
July 9, 2020
I am really learning a lot through this Bible study about David and his faith in God. I love how real David is and how he cries out to God and shares his frustrations. It helps me in my prayer time to cry out with my frustrations.
2 reviews
July 14, 2020
I received an advance copy of this Bible Study for review. This is the first study I’ve read using a concordance in addition to my Bible. This particular study focuses on the Book of Philippians. I am amazed that this was written last year but it so resonates to our world right now. Especially, Philippians 2:19-30 Put others interests before your own. She answers the statement “God won’t give you more than you can handle“ Is it biblical? Her answer was a game changer for me in the midst of COVID, job losses and BLM. Grateful for Teresa’s writing style and how she leads readers to a deeper understanding of God’s word. Looking forward to the other Get Wisdom studies she provides.
3 reviews
July 6, 2020
Teresa writes with an ease that has you feeling as though you’re sharing a cup of coffee. She carefully unpacks the Word of God leaving you with skills to better study the Bible on your own.
Profile Image for Bailey T. Hurley.
419 reviews14 followers
July 15, 2020
The emphasis on authentic faith was what stood out to me in this study. Despite our hardships or maybe because of them, we can experience pure joy, genuine faith, and God’s real love.
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